The Witness of Peace - Peace Lutheran Church€¦ · 04/04/2019 · Secretary: Alanna Stone Greg...

April 2019 Volume 34, Issue 04 The Witness of Peace

PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH: GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS.

Repent, and believe in the good news. (Mark 1:15b) This familiar phase sums up the Lenten journey for me. It is all about a saying “no” and a saying “yes”. Repentance, while it may involve feelings of remorse, is not primarily about feeling. It is primarily about seeing, and then doing. It is about allowing God to open our eyes to patterns of living which do not serve life. Jesus came to call us away from those damaging patterns of thinking and behaving: Turn back- you are going the wrong way! He came to lead us towards belief- that is, a deep trust in and surrender to the ways of God that lead to wholeness. To repent is to choose a new way of living- the way that leads towards an embodiment of the Reign of God, here and now! Can we open our eyes and our hearts to see? Can we ask the Spirit of God to turn us around, and set us on the path to life, in all its abundant Easter fullness? – Pastor Annette

Under the picture is the Greek word “ANAKEPHALAIOSASTHAI”, the beautiful word which the writer of Ephesians used to celebrate what God is doing in the universe- uniting,

gathering up, bringing together everything with Christ as head.

Daniel Erlander, Manna and Mercy

Gather us up, God! Good news for all of creation!

The Witness of Peace

What’s God up to?

By Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton

What is to be done? Our congregations are growing older and smaller. At least 40 percent of our congregations have an average weekly worship attendance of 50 or less. ELCA membership decreases by 70,000 people a year, or roughly the loss of a synod per year. Clergy retirements outnumber new candidates for ministry. Financial pressures and building maintenance create stress. There is a dearth of people in their 20s and 30s in our pews. How do we change this? How do we reverse the trends?

These are anxious questions that come from anxious people across this church. We aren’t the only ones asking them—just about every mainline denomination, including the non-Latino population of the Roman Catholic Church, is in the same boat. Even some megachurches are showing signs of plateau or decline. And this is not exclusive to the Christian community. I once attended a national

conference of Muslims where one workshop was titled “Un-Mosqued to Mosqued: How to Get the Young Mus-lim Back to the Masjid.”

Some now see the decline of the church in general, and the ELCA in particular, as inevitable. The response can be to turn our churches into bunkers with our congregations sheltering within the walls or to try every new program that breathlessly promises to attract people to our congregations. Neither is an effective or faithful long-term strategy.

I think we are asking the wrong questions.

The questions we are asking have to do about us: “What can we do?” They express loss and grief and fear—loss and grief for what we were and fear about what we will become. Not only do these questions not lead to productive answers, they also don’t point to hope. It’s as if the church’s one foundation rests on us and our efforts.

I think we need to ask: “What is God up to?”

It’s clear to me that we are living in a time of transition, especially for the Western church. I don’t know how long this transition will last nor do I have a clear vision of what the church is becoming.

The good news is that you and I don’t have to have a clear vision because God does. “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19). These words of hope were spoken to the Jews who were stuck in exile. They had lost their land, their temple and their king—the pillars of their identity. Likewise, the church has lost social status and relevance in 21st-century American culture.

For Israel and the church this would be a hopeless situation, except that God is faithful. When the Lord admonished, “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old,” this wasn’t a command to forget God’s past saving work, but to believe that God was still acting. This is true for us today. When we stop asking what we can do to fix the church and start asking what God is up to, we open ourselves up to the life-giving promise of God’s future.

Then we are also open to more questions: How is the Spirit reshaping the church? How will Christ use us as Christ’s living body in the world?

If we want to attract people to our congregations to rebuild a memory, God will not bless our efforts. But if we—grabbed by the Spirit in baptism, changed by the word, intimately and lovingly connected to Jesus and each other in communion, and set free by grace to serve the neighbor—invite all people into true life, then we shall become part of the answer.

-Living Lutheran, February 2019

http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=415882702

Readings For April:

April 7th—5 Lent First Reading Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm Psalm 126 Second Reading Philippians 3:4b-14 Gospel Reading John 12:1-8 April 14th—Passion/Palm Sunday First Reading Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm Psalm 31:9-16 Second Reading Philippians 2:5-11 Gospel Reading Luke 22:14-23:56 or Luke 23:1-49 April 18th —Maundy Thursday First Reading Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14 Psalm Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 Second Reading 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Gospel Reading John 13:1-17, 31b-35 April 19th—Good Friday (Our Savior’s, Arlington) First Reading Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Psalm Psalm 22 Second Reading Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16;5:7-9 Gospel Reading John 18:1-19:42 April 20th—Easter Vigil Second Reading Romans 6:3-11 Gospel Reading John 20:1-18 April 21st—Easter Day First Reading Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 65:17-25 Psalm Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Second Reading 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 or Acts 10:34-43 Gospel Reading Luke 24:1-12 or John 20:1-18 April 28th—2 Easter First Reading Acts 5:27-32 Psalm Psalm 118:14-29 or Psalm 150 Second Reading Revelations 1:4-8 Gospel Reading John 20:19-31


President: Larry Sather Vice-President: Al Camp Treasurer: Connie DiGregorio Secretary: Alanna Stone Greg Erwin (1) Janeen Smith (2) Larry Bean (1) Dana Stoffel (2) PLCW Rep: Anne Grimm Youth: Simon Fuentes

Pastor: Annette Andrews-Lux 360-652-8739 ([email protected]) Office worker: Becky Sather 360-652-8739 ([email protected]) Youth & Family: Mary Fuentes 360-652-8739 ([email protected])

Musicians Richelle Tripp Allyson Richards

Our Mission Statement

“Called by Christ to offer help, hope and healing.”


Bingo! Dear Partners: I went to an elder care conference one day and there was an off-the-cuff comment three deadly “B’s” that facilities should stay away from because they were overdone are passé. It wasn't the main points of the presentation so I didn't take the time and energy to have this clarified— but I was, at the least, confused by it. I forgot what the third “B” was but I do remember the first two. The second “B” was “Bible”— as a pastor, this not only confused me but offended me too. Our weekly Bible studies are doing very well and seem to be very meaningful to our residents, thank you. The one that confused me was the first “B,” though, and that was “Bingo.” My experience is that there are a lot of folks at Josephine who love to play Bingo. We’ve tried several game-type activities but from what I see, none of them draws as many people as Bingo does. Folks at Josephine seem to like Bingo in the day, at night, bingo at special occasions, super-mega Bingo, you name it. For some people, it's one thing that they look forward to every single week. This is also, then, the reason why I am writing this article for you this month. Going against the trend of staying away from that first deadly “B,” I would love to attempt to make this game as available as possible to as many people as possible. This is where you might come in. We have some people who would love to play but find it difficult to play because of their mental capacity— and then when they try to play, some of the people who know how to play get frustrated at them because they can't play correctly. My “ask” this month is for some volunteers who might be willing to sit alongside some of those who are having trouble playing and to help them play the game. We like this solution better than setting up two different Bingo sessions based on mental capabilities. Would you be willing? The Suites Bingo is every Thursday beginning at 2pm and lasts no more than an hour— The Meadows (nursing home) Bingo begins a half hour earlier on Thursday as well. This might be a perfect opportunity for those who may have said in the past that they don’t think they could volunteer at Josephine because they wouldn’t know how to relate to “old people.” Let us know if you might like to try and help out in this way. I can promise you that it will be very helpful for the community and a meaningful experience for yourself. There are lots of ways to engage in the life here— so, we invite you to just talk with us. As the weather gets warmer and the sun begins to shine some more, walking groups outside will begin to resume. We could always use more helpers in the gift shop. I would love to see art classes come back. We have some interested folks wanting to knit for those who are homeless. Or maybe your church has a volunteer project that you need more hands for and it could be done here at Josephine? Let’s talk about it and be creative so that we can help the folks here continue to discover some of the joys of life! God bless you always. Warmly, Pr. Andy.

https://www.josephinecc.com/


Peace Lutheran’s February Financial Report

Donations / Expenditures

$13,818.02 $15,536.36

Mission of the Month: $260—Habitat for Humanity

Mission Investment Fund

Interest Income $112.34 Balance $118,212.89

2018 Budget Average Donation Needed Each Month

$214,789 $17,899

Peace Lutheran Church Women

I’d like to start with how wonderful it was to have such a great turn out of ladies to attend our March meeting. We didn’t have our February meeting because of snow and then it started snowing during our March meeting! I no longer trust the Ground Hog predictions.

Our speaker was Tina Richardson from her Hometown Candle Co. in Arlington. Very nice candles with your town’s fragrance and name on them. Her candles were added to the gift “swag” bags handed out at the Grammy and MTV awards!

As usual we had a wonderful luncheon. Devotions were led by Stephanie Bean.

On April 3rd the topic will be “Gardening”. Devotions will be led by Joyce Klabunde and the lunch provided by Mary Fuentes, Stephanie Bean and Debra Compton.

Please come and join us!

-Carol Mendenhall

Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center

Our April Mission of the Month!


Note: If you are not familiar with the tradition of Holy Week and its various feasts, please pick up a copy of the ex-

planatory pamphlet in the narthex, or feel free to chat with Pastor Annette.

Maundy Thursday, April 18 6:00 pm Supper, 7:00 pm Service

Supper will be a potluck, “finger-food”, family style meal, so take note of this suggested list of what to bring: · Cooked, smoked or cured meats, cut into small chunks · Dried fruits, like raisins, dates, apricots, figs · Nuts, such as cashews, almonds · Various cheeses, cut into small chunks · Hummus, or other dips · Pita bread, or other bread easily torn into serving-sized pieces · Finger veggies, like carrots, radishes, cucumbers · Olives of all kinds After sharing in our meal, we will share in the Eucharistic meal and reflect on the commandment (mandatum) of Christ to love one another, as he demonstrated in washing the feet of his disciples. If you wish to participate in the foot-washing, please dress accordingly.

Good Friday, April 19 Please join us for a shared time of prayer on this most solemn feast.

12:00, Peace Lutheran

A simple daytime service will be offered here at Peace for those who cannot attend the evening worship.

7:00 pm, Our Saviour’s, Arlington

We also the continue the tradition of offering a joint Good Friday service with our nearby Lutheran congregations of Faith, Our Saviour’s, and Camano Lutheran. This year the service will be hosted by Pastor Scott Summers and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 615 E. Highland Drive, Arlington.

Easter Vigil, April 20 7:00 pm, St. Aidan’s Episcopal

The solemn and grand Easter Vigil is one of the central liturgies of the Christian tradition. It begins outside with the igniting of the Easter fire, the lighting of the new Paschal Candle and a procession into the softly lit church carrying candles. After sharing scriptures stories of salvation history, the lights come on, the bells are rung, the altar is decorated and we sing the first alleluias of Easter! If you would like to experience this festive service, you are invited to join Pastor Annette who will join with the clergy at St. Aidan’s Episcopal to celebrate the Vigil.

Easter Sunday, April 21

7:00 am worship in the Little White Church on the Hill 8:00-9:30 am Easter Breakfast, served in the Fellowship hall

10:00 am worship in the sanctuary of Peace Lutheran


Lenten Wednesdays continue! April 3 and 10

6:00 pm Soup Supper, 7:00 pm Holden Evening Prayer,

with reflection on:

Listening for God’s Voice: The Journey of Spiritual

Discernment Having reflected on the first few steps of Stillness, Openness and Attentiveness,

we will continue with the last two parts of the discernment journey:

Willingness and Peacefulness.

NOTE: Each week’s reflection handout is available in the narthex.

Please join the congregation in our learning process.

Bishop Election- Candidate Forum Be part of the discernment of the Northwest Washington Synod as we go through a call process for our next bishop. You are invited to join your delegates at an upcoming fo-rum to meet all the candidates and to offer your feedback/input. We can carpool together from church!

Sunday, May 5, 2:00-4:00 pm

Salem Lutheran, Mount Vernon

Your elected delegates, Simon Fuentes, Karen Dicken and Pastor Annette will be part of the voting process at the Synod Assembly May 17-19. See more information at

www.lutheransnw.org/bishopelection. Additional forum on Sat am, May 4 in Bothell.

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans

for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope.

When you call to me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When

you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your

heart, you will find me with you, says the LORD.

(Jeremiah 29:11-14a, NAB)

http://www.lutheransnw.org/bishopelection


We pray that our unity may one day be restored…

One God…Three Faiths

In the past year we have heard about violent attacks and multiple deaths at Christian, Jewish

and Islamic places of worship. Our hearts break at such senseless violence, and God must

weep with us. Awhile ago I read a book that lifted up the holy work of listening to each other’s

faith stories, seeking to understand God from various perspectives- apart from political

rhetoric. This book, The Faith Club, is the true story of three mothers- a Christian, a Jew and a

Muslim- who began to meet together to heal the divides caused by prejudice, ignorance and

mis-understanding. I commend it to you. It will enlarge your heart and your mind.

– Pastor Annette

The Little White

Church on the Hill

entry project has begun!


Youth and Family

April is rushing in and I hope your all ready for an incredible spring. The month will begin with the Out to Dinner group trying a new Italian restaurant in Everett on the 2nd. We have a great time sharing a meal and talking about all the happenings in our lives and around Peace. The plan is to meet at the restaurant at 5:30 and leave Silvana at 4:55. If you would like to join us please give me a call as I will need to make reservations.

The out to Lunch bunch will be traveling to North to Skagit Gardens on the 23rd. The bus has plenty of room for hauling all your plant purchases and maybe there will still be room for all of us to ride back to the church. We will be leaving Peace at 10:30. If you would like to join us please do as we have a great time exploring the different places we go.

Once again the youth and mission team will be serving Easter breakfast. Breakfast will serve from 8am to 9:30. We will be serving Coffee cake, sausage, eggs, fruit, and drinks. This is a free will offering and all donated monies will go towards purchasing Aler wood cook stoves for Guatemala.

The mission team has begun collecting your gently used items for their garage sale which will be May 10-11th. You can leave your items in the table closet, back of the classroom next to the kitchen, or in the shed. If you are in need of someone to come and haul your items please call Mary or Larry.

A group of us have begun planning a spring tea May 4th. This is for

everyone, and I mean everyone, we do not discriminate against age or

sex, all are welcome. We have some great plans and tasty food that

will be on the menu.

Little White Church on the Hill

The new entrance and patio project is underway. The footings have been poured for the wall of the patio. Next the brick layer will create a block wall which will create the outside wall/seating area. In time that wall will be covered with a brick product to finish the wall. This project requires doing things in a specific order. But we are on our way and plan on it being finished by summer! In the meantime the old entrance is still intact and the use of the building is not disturbed.

In addition a few weeks ago the furnace went out and we had to replace it. We are incredibly grateful for the bequest from Karine Smith.


PLCW serving group for April:

Group #2

Honorary leader Patti Vroman

Stephanie Bean acting leader

Remember to keep coffee time simple!

2 Elsie Pryor

5 Alanna Stone

7 Bruce Grimm

8 Darlene Strotz

15 Dan Stoffel

18 Allan Camp

Betty Jacobs

20 Kelsie Mullin

22 Jodi Sather-Smyth

23 Steve Norman

24 Emily Tripp

28 Priscilla Brady

Card of Thanks

The Funetes Family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to our family here at Peace Lutheran for the many thoughts, prayers, condolences, hugs and for all of the help in making our mother’s/grandmother’s celebration of life a wonderful thing. It was indeed a joyous event. She may have rolled her eyes, but she woulde have been proud and overwhelmed at all the friends and family that came to celebrate with us.

-Tony, Lynny, Bryce, Hansen, Justin, Spencer, Karen, Simon, Everett, Phoebe, Dric, Jennifer, Jessica, Eli, Sam, Mary and Ward

All Church Clean up Saturday, April 6th,

9am-3pm Join us for all or part

of the work day. Lunch will be provided.

There are jobs for all abilities—we can

use YOU!

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 10:00 Women’s AA 5:00 Pills Anonymous 5:30 Lydia

2 12:00 AA Out to Dinner to Italian in Everett 6:00 Voices

3 10:30 Al Anon PLCW 11:30 Lunch 12:30 meeting 6:00 Soup supper 7:00 Lenten Service

4

5 12:00 AA

6 9am-3pm All Church Clean Up

7 9:00 Sunday School for all 10:00 Worship

8 10:00 Women’s AA 5:00 Pills Anonymous 6:00 4-H

9 12:00 AA 6:00 Voices 6:00 Council

10 9:30 Naomi 10:30 Al Anon 11:30 Esther 6:00 Soup supper 7:00 Lenten Service

11

12 12:00 AA

13 8:00 Men’s Breakfast

14 9:00 Sunday School for all 10:00 Palm Sunday Worship

15 10:00 Women’s AA 5:00 Pills Anonymous

16

12:00 AA 6:00 Voices 6:00 District AA

17

10:30 Al Anon 5:00 LWCH Wedding-Stangeland/Dolan reception following at Peace

18 10:00 LWR Quilting 7:00 Maundy Thursday Service

19 12:00 AA 12:00 Good Friday At Peace 7:00 Good Friday at Our Savior’s, Arlington

20

21 Easter 7:00Worship at LWCH 8-9:30 Break-fast –Peace 10:00 Worship at Peace

22 Earth Day 10:00 Women’s AA 5:00 Pills Anonymous

23

Witness articles due OTLB to Skagit Gardens 12:00 AA 6:00 Voices

24 10:30 AlAnon 6:00 Community Night 6:30 Confirmation at Peace

25

26 12:00 AA

27 8:00 Men’s Breakfast

28

9:00 Sunday School for all 10:00 Worship with Blessing of the quilts

Pastor to…...

29 10:00 Women’s AA 5:00 Pills Anonymous Bishop’s……

30

12:00 AA

6:00 Voices

Convocation...

April 2019

Peace Lutheran Church

P.O. Box 100 (1717 Larson Road)

Silvana, WA 98287

Lenten Services

Wednesday, April 3rd and 10th, 6:00 Soup Supper followed by

7:00 Holden Evening Prayer with scripture/reflection

Holy Week

Maundy-Thursday, April 18th, 7pm at Peace

Good Friday, April 19th, noon at Peace and 7pm at Our Savior’s, Arlington

Easter Day-April 21

Morning service, 7am Little White Church on the Hill

Easter Breakfast, 8-9:30am at Peace

Easter service, 10am at Peace

Contact us at Peace Lutheran

Telephone: 360-652-8739

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

Web Site: www.plsilvana.org

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The Witness of Peace - Peace Lutheran Church€¦ · 04/04/2019 · Secretary: Alanna Stone Greg...

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